Ruby’s POV

I stared at Austin’s outstretched hand for a second.

Then I turned away.

“I’ve got it,” I said under my breath, teeth clenched. The pain in my shoulder screamed as I gripped the reins tighter and used my good arm to lift myself.

My feet fumbled against the stirrups, but I kicked once, twice, and used momentum to swing my leg over the saddle. It wasn’t elegant. But it worked.

I was back on the horse thanks to my sportsmanship.

There was a brief hush, then the sound of ...